Co-directors of Arcadia University’s student-run public relations firm, 1853 Communications, Allison Schmidt ’25 and Emily Fadako ’25, and Co-vice Director Jennifer Coulibaly ’26 attended the Philadelphia Chapter Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) annual Emerging Pros Brunch and Learn Series on Feb. 15. 

The event provided an opportunity to connect with industry experts, students from other local universities, and professionals from organizations such as PRSA, the Philadelphia Public Relations Association, the International Association of Business Communicators, and the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists.

This year’s brunch and learn featured keynote speakers John Ryan, social media and content manager at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Eric Cortes, senior director of social and innovation at Visit Philadelphia. The speakers discussed their roles in shaping the city’s image and attracting visitors through digital media.

“Chris Mullin first introduced this opportunity to us at the beginning of the semester,” said Schmidt, referring to the 1853 Communications faculty adviser and assistant professor of Media and Communication at Arcadia. “1853 Communications is working on our professional development this semester, so this event was a great opportunity for us.

“My experience with this event was eye-opening and truly rejuvenating. It was a great and fresh experience for young people who are just starting their careers in public relations,” she said. “The opportunity was a great networking opportunity — not only with the speakers but also with the other students. I was able to connect with students from the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter at Temple University, which hopefully leads to a partnership between our PR agencies.”

Schmidt also emphasized the importance of professional networking events for Arcadia students.

“These connections are exactly why I think it is important for Arcadia to have these kinds of opportunities available to students. Arcadia students need these opportunities to connect with other students so they can form partnerships and make more opportunities available.”